Breaking down barriers to diversify leadership in the housing sector
GMHP’s ‘Championing Change for BAME Leadership’ is a unique partnership and research programme with Manchester Metropolitan University which aims to address the underrepresentation of BAME employees in leadership positions in the housing sector.
Through a combination of reciprocal mentoring and dedicated ‘Change Champions’, the project seeks to identify and address unfair barriers to leadership and create lasting culture change that encourages BAME leaders and progression, enabling improved routes to senior roles.
The first phase ran between 2019-21 leading to a detailed research report outlining eleven recommendations to be taken forward by GMHP members with the aim of embedding lasting solutions to the lack of diversity in senior teams. Each housing provider is now supporting the ongoing development of the programme and has committed to a future mentorship programme beginning in 2022.
Through this project we’ve not been afraid to shine a light on challenging issues, and GMHP partners have worked collaboratively to identify long-term solutions that will ensure a more level playing field for anyone who wants to progress their career in the housing sector. Our learning and recommendations are not only being embedded across GMHP, but others in the sector are also taking them on board, becoming a catalyst for lasting change, both in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Our BAME Programme in numbers.
75%
of UK housing sector executive teams exclusively white
13
GMHP members involved in first mentoring cohort
11
core recommendations to deliver lasting change
13
Change Champions established to identify barriers and solutions
I have waited 30 years to hear so many white executive colleagues speak so frankly and passionately about the lack of BAME leaders in senior roles in housing. We need to use the energy of the participants from the programme combined with the genuine passion for change shown across GMHP to create lasting diversity at the top level of housing organisations.